By Juliet Dennis
TOP-LEVEL emergency talks have been held between
MyTravel and First Choice over joint commercial arrangements amid signs of a
growing rift.
First Choice managing director for UK and Ireland
Dermot Blastland and MD UK distribution John Wimbleton met MyTravel UK
distribution and charter tour operations MD Steve Endacott last Thursday.
Talks were demanded by MyTravel, which admitted the
worst-case scenario could be an end to their working relationship and sales
bans on each other’s products.
Endacott said: “We have concerns about our commercial
relationship with First Choice. I’m happy with sales via Lunn Poly and Thomas
Cook but not Travel Choice.”
It is believed First Choice sales through Going Places
shops have risen following MyTravel’s bid to reduce in-house sales and Endacott
could be seeking more favourable terms.
Blastland said: “Commercial terms need renewing for
next winter’s sales and beyond.”